How to Choose the Best Double Stroller
If you're in the market for a double stroller there are plenty of options. To help you select the most suitable one for your family, we spoke with child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley.
Choose a stroller reasonably easy to fold, push and carry. Consider a model that can accommodate two car seats for infants or a toddler as well as a rider board.
Safety
If you want to keep your children secure on your walks opt for a double stroller that has features like all-terrain tires as well as a hand-operated brake. These brakes and wheels help you navigate trails and sand without children slipping or rolling. The best double strollers offer plenty of storage space to store gear and kid-sized essentials like snacks and toys.
Selecting the best double stroller for your family begins by understanding the age and distance in age. Most double strollers only accommodate one child seat. However, the ones that do come with a variety of options that let you select the seating option that is ideal for your family.
Side-by-side doubles are a classic option, and are great for kids of similar ages who want to interact with each other. Certain models feature a double-decker design, which allows you to put one seat above the other or even attach a rider board to older siblings. Newborns can be snuggled into an infant bassinet that is attached to the frame or in an individual attachment that gives you an unobstructed view of your baby. If you are expecting twins or already have twins, then a twin stroller is the best choice.
Choose a stroller with two wheels that can handle off-road terrain and even hiking. Many of these strollers are designed with active parents in mind, and come with features that let you take your kids on any adventure, no matter how rough the terrain or how steep the climbs might be.
In addition to all-terrain tires, the top double strollers feature clever features that make traversing difficult terrain and weather a lot easier. This jogging stoller for example, has a wrist loop, so you can ensure your child's safety while going downhill at a higher speed or in adverse weather conditions. It also comes with a canopy that covers the entire area and has ventilation to ensure your children stay comfy during the summer heat.
If you're looking for a light compact double stroller check out this model from Joovy. It weighs less than 23lbs. This makes it perfect for air travel and storage in trunks or overhead compartments. Additionally, it comes with a large storage basket and a parking brake that is linked in one step that's easy to use.
Seating
Contrary to the giant strollers of old, today's double strollers are sleek and can accommodate a variety of designs to accommodate families. Some of them function as traditional side-byside strollers, while others -- like the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double Stroller - function as a base for car seats, toddler seats, or bassinets can be plugged into. They come in various sizes and weight limits to fit children from birth through kindergarten.
A good double stroller will be easy to fold and move, as well as allowing you to adjust your handlebar height to ensure you are comfortable throughout your outings. A well-designed handlebar is easy to hold and will encourage you to walk in a logical manner (ask for advice from other parents). It should also provide a variety of storage options that can accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your kids.
If your twins are near in age, you could discover that a tandem stroller is best for your family. These models come with seats that are side-byside, which means you can interact with them each other and keep an eye on each of them at the same. They also recline independently so that one child can nap while the other is awake and ready to go.
The disadvantage of a twin stroller can be that it is wider than a stroller designed for a single-occupant. This makes it difficult to maneuver narrow aisles for stores, doors, or walkways. But for certain families, the benefits are worth the extra size and effort.
If you are looking for a compact double-stroller then the UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. Its shock absorbers, streamlined design, and capacity for two infant car seats - plus an optional running board for mobile older children -- make it a great option for urban living.
Another alternative is a wagon-style double stroller, like the Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller. This model is bare-bones and offers plenty of seating space and storage, plus robust wheels that can handle any terrain. It also comes with a canopy with 50+ SPF and adjustable handlebars. Some parents complain that the seats are too low and do not recline fully flat, which makes it difficult for little children to reach their food trays or get comfortable.
Easy of Use
A double stroller can be an investment of a large amount and one you're likely to use for years. When choosing a stroller you must make sure it will be easy to operate and clean. The top double strollers have been developed to be user-friendly and have numerous features that are convenient.
To start, all the strollers we tested fold easily and compactly (with one hand!). They're also light, which makes them ideal for travel. Many of them fit in the majority of trunks and are gate-checked on airplanes. Furthermore, the majority our testers reported that their strollers folded to smaller sizes than their single-seat counterparts and some even came with an adjustable carry strap for easy carrying.
If you're in search of a multi-purpose double stroller that will grow with your family Look no further than the Valco Snap Duo Trend. This side-by-side stroller can be used with infant car seats, a bassinet and other accessories, which means you can use it from birth until preschool age. Each seat comes with a 5-point harness and an enormous canopy that offers ample protection from the sun.
The Joovy Twin Roo is another option that is highly regarded. The stroller is light compact and weighs only weighs 22 pounds when folded. The front seat reclines almost to a flat stance, and the back seat can be adjusted to suit every child. This stroller is easy to use and maneuver thanks to its large storage basket, simple one-step parking brake, and large storage basket.
The only downsides to the Joovy Twin Roo are minor and specific to that model. Kerry notes that the packaging was enjoyable and clever, but that it also came in five boxes, which could be a hassle to lug around. She also noticed that Genuis's magnetic buckle was awkward and took a while to master. However, in the end she was extremely pleased with the stroller and would highly recommend it.
Storage
Strollers come with a variety of shapes and sizes, from side-by-side doubles to tandem (single-file seating) styles, plus many allow you to personalize your layout with a bassinet, or car seat attachment. Some come with rider boards for older siblings. However, they're not all made equal. Some are elegant and simple to use, while others are heavy, bulky and difficult to fold or stow.
If you're looking for a light double stroller, look into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite. It was the lightest stroller in our tests, weighing just under 23 lbs. It is also easy-to-fold and comes with all the features parents want to enjoy a day out with two children.
The Vista v2 double by UPPAbaby is another model our testers loved. They were particularly impressed by its sleek design and ease-of-use. It can fit two infant car seats or a toddler bassinet and seat without the need for adapters, and its rear seat can be removed to turn it into a triple or quad stroller. single to double pushchair comes with a huge basket for storage, and it can be upgraded by adding a parent organizer and all-terrain tires as well as side storage bags.
Billingsley says that the ideal double stroller for toddlers is one that has different options for customization, including a removable seat or bassinet. This is because toddlers typically have little endurance, so the stroller with an attachment for a bassinet will provide them with a safe space to rest for a nap. The expert says that a double stroller must also have a good harness and recline position, as well as ample storage space for toys and snacks.
The ZOE Twin+ is a popular choice among parents because of its light weight and flexibility. It is airline gate-check friendly it can be accessed through all doors (without removing the wheels on the front), and can be converted into a quad or triple stroller by adding an additional tandem. Its near-flat independently reclining seats, extra-long sun canopy and adjustable footrests are additional highlights, while its large underseat storage area and the inclusion of parent and kid cup holders complete the impressive feature set. One downside according to Taylor the manufacturer, is that it doesn't have an elongated footprint when folded and can be difficult to store.
